14 February 2008

Another beautiful day here in the Okanagan. After another long walk in the sunshine it is time to get cracking and make something comforting. Spring is coming at least for a fleeting moment. Blogging has taught me many things over the past year. The obvious pleasure is meeting new people from around the world and discovering new cuisines and ingredients, new twists on old favourites and innovative ideas. There are certain blogs that I am drawn to for their expertise. Anyone who has followed my blog knows that I am in LOVE with all things Greek!!! I hope you don't get tired of hearing about it after a while but part of the reason I blog is for my own pleasure and to record recipes I love for generations to come. Perhaps my grandchildren will be interested in my recipes some day...hint...hint...

One of the first blogs I ever discovered was Peter, in Toronto...my old stomping grounds... at Kalofagas.

In reading Peter's blog this week I was excited to come across a new method of making dolmades that I had to try....cooking them in the oven!! I want to adopt his mom as well. The things she could teach me about Greek cooking would fill a book!!! Peter had to learn his art somewhere. I want you to adopt me as well Ivy...do you need a new sister???

There are no fresh grape leaves in the winter in the Okanagan, nor did I have any in the freezer, so, I opted for the grape leaves in jars this time around. Make sure that you soak them in water, changing the water a few times to remove the salty brine from the tender leaves. You can find Peters original recipe here complete with lip-smacking photos and step by step photographs.

For vegetarians please check out my previous post for Aglaia Kremezi's Dolmades Nistimi . I remember vividly eating these dolmades after a long hike to the ancient ruins at Karthea at a sea side picnic with grilled lamb chops and fish freshly caught from the sea.

The verdict....baking the dolmades in the oven is pure genius. They came out of the oven perfectly cooked...the avgolomeno sauce was light and delicate as it should be....

The talented Pixie over at You Say Tomato...I Say Tomato tried Peter's dolmades this week as well. Every Friday she is going to try a recipe from someone's blog....Kudos Pixie. Her dolmades look and probably tasted fantastic!!

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In keeping with the memories of Spring and the azure Agean Sea I served these dolmades with Aglaia Kremezi's Greek Lemon and Oregano Potatoes and her Cucumber Salad.

Yammas!!

**Dolmades with Avgolemono**

Grape leaves are best picked in the Spring, while they are still tender. They can be washed and frozen between layers of waxed paper and will keep for a year. They are also available brined in jars. This is another delicious way to have dolmades.

Carefully separate the grape leaves, place in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them to cover. Let the leaves soak for 20 minutes, then drain and rinse to remove excess salt. Fresh ones will take only a minute. Drain the leaves, snip off the stems (reserving stems) and lay the leaves on towel to dry.

Meanwhile, heat 2 T olive oil in a skillet, add the onion and saute until soft, about 3 - 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute 1 more minute, until aromas are released. Add the lamb or ground beef and cook until the meat is well browned, breaking it apart with a fork while cooking, about 15 minutes. Add the oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the feta and remove from the heat. Stir in the rice, parsley and mint.

Place one leaf on a flat surface, vein side up, shiny side down. Place a rounded teaspoon of filling in the centre of the leaf, near the stem edge. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold both sides toward the middle, and form into a roll. Squeeze lightly in the palm of your hand to secure the roll. Repeat the process with remaining leaves and filling.

Peter says, "Place your Dolmadaki into a casserole dish, filling your casserole with Dolmadakia, side by side until the the bottom is completely covered. Continue layering the Dolmadakia until the casserole is filled with your parcels. Pour the stock into the casserole (enough to just cover the dolmades) and put the lid on the casserole (or cover) and place into a preheated 375F oven and cook for 60-70 minutes."

For the Avgolemeno

Peter says, "In a large bowl, beat eggs and flour with a fork or a whisk until they begin to get foamy, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice in a steady stream, and continue beating for an additional minute. Add the hot cooking liquid (one ladle at a time) from the dolmathes, and beat for 1 minute more. Pour some sauce back into the casserole with the dolmathes and the rest into another medium pot.Stirring constantly, heat sauce over low heat for about 3 minutes (do not let it come to a boil. Adjust seasoning with salt."

Pour over the warm Dolmades or serve on the side.

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison.

I've been nervous about working with grape leaves, (I think it comes from an old college boyfriend who was Lebanese and his mother scared me in the kitchen!) but your recipe has me inspired...I'll try! Thanks!

Val, Last night I checked on your blog but it seems you are posting when I am sleeping. It's morning here in Greece and you make me hungry with these dolmades of yours. Parsley and mint and EXCELLENT in dolmades. They make the difference. I will call you "sis" from now on and when you come to Greece again we will meet at my place and I will make dolmades for you.

Val, you are killing me! You make it even more difficult to choose a dish. I am sitting here making my menu for next week and I can't decide which one of your delicious recipes to try and you come with more delicious recipes! Ay dios! HeheheI think I have made up my mind so I will try to just enjoy the other recipes with no strings attached :-p

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 12 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.